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Magnolia came alive in the second half to snap its two-game losing skid and down GlobalPort, 96-81, Friday in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup.
Getting their act straight after the halftime break, the Hotshots used a huge 16-3 push to turn a seven-point deficit into a 59-53 lead with 3:16 left in the third quarter before Rome dela Rosa took the baton in the fourth and put the game away.
“That was the story of the game: our defense,” said coach Chito Victolero. “Every time we limit our opponents to under 88 points, we have a big chance of winning the game.”
Magnolia got back to its winning ways and rose to 7-3, putting pressure on fellow league leaders San Miguel and Alaska which will battle each other on Saturday in Batangas.
Dela Rosa once again notched a career-high 18 points, nine coming in the payoff period, to go with four rebounds as he reached a new career-best in scoring for the third straight game.
Justin Melton contributed 14 markers, six boards, and five assists, while Ian Sangalang also got 14 points, six rebounds, and two dimes in the victory.
Paul Lee also returned for the Hotshots and poured 13 markers, three boards, and three assists after missing his team’s last three games due to an ankle sprain.
Mark Barroca also had a hand in the comeback, unleashing eight of his points in the third quarter fightback as he had all of his 12 come in the second half.
Victolero was glad with how Magnolia responded after staring at a 13-point deficit, 31-21, in the second frame.
“I’m telling my players that this is a playoff game. We need to have that playoff mentality starting with today’s game. I’m very happy because they adjusted in second half,” he said. “I told them this is a grinding game, so we need to dig deep especially in the game’s physicality.”
Kelly Nabong got 21 points and 12 rebounds to lead GlobalPort, which dropped to 4-5, now tied with Phoenix and Blackwater for the seventh spot.
Jonathan Grey got 13 markers, Sean Anthony had 12 points, 11 boards, and four assists, and Jeric Teng also got 12 in the defeat.
Stanley Pringle was limited to just five points in a frustrating 1-of-12 shooting night from the field.
The Scores:
MAGNOLIA 96 — Dela Rosa 18, Melton 14, Sangalang 14, Lee 13, Barroca 12, Ramos 11, Pingris 6, Jalalon 5, Simon 2, Reavis 1, Brondial 0, Herndon 0.
GLOBALPORT 81 — Nabong 21, Grey 13, Anthony 12, Teng 12, Araña 5, Pringle 5, Gabayni 4, Sargent 3, Elorde 2, Flores 2, Taha 2, Guinto 0, Juico 0.
Quarters: 17-22, 34-39, 69-61, 96-81.